Pros
- Beautifully renovated 18th-century palace
- Centrally located in literary Huertas district
- 10-minute walk to Prado Museum
- Elegant, stylish rooms with minibars and kettles
- Suites feature original ceiling frescos
- Some rooms open to French balconies
- Generous breakfast buffet with Bloody Marys
- Free afternoon finger buffet
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
Bottom Line
The Catalonia Las Cortes is an upscale, 65-room hotel located in the popular Huertas neighborhood of central Madrid. This initially unassuming 18th-century palace has been beautifully restored and retains much of its elegant baroque-style interiors -- the suites' ceiling frescos are particularly striking. The location makes an excellent base for exploring the city with plenty, including the Prado, well within walking distance. Some rooms are prone to street noise, however. Rates are competitive for this caliber of hotel, but those who prefer a modern look to a historical feel may want to consider the similarly priced ME Madrid Hotel nearby.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Internet
Scene
Restored 18th-century palace with inconspicuous facade
The entrance and facade of the Catalonia Las Cortes hotel is inconspicuous almost to the point of being missable -- its typical, stuccoed facade blends unobtrusively into its similar surroundings with little to announce its presence beyond a discreet sign. The sleek, contemporary reception area is smart and understated, though with the first hints of the flamboyant period decor that lay just beyond. Occupying a palace dating back to the 18th century, much of the interiors have been renovated in sympathy with the era while retaining plenty of the original elements and character. Most striking are wonderful arched stained glass windows adorning a hallway, but also original parquet wood flooring, ornate coving, and intricate baroque detailing wonderfully recreate the period ambience. The atmosphere is polished and upscale.
Location
Set in Madrid's buzzing and literary barrio of Huertas -- 10 minutes walk from the Prado Museum
The hotel is located in the central Madrid district of Huertas, a historical and buzzing neighborhood now a popular nightlife spot and tourist destination. Also known as the Barrio de las Letras, the area is also considered the capital's literary district having once been the hang-out of Spanish writers including Cervantes (who also died here). One of Madrid's most picturesque squares, the Plaza de Santa Ana, is just a one-minute walk from the hotel and is full of bars and restaurants. While the nearest metro stop, Antón Martín, is five minutes' walk away, the Puerta del Sol transport hub is a little further and connects throughout Madrid. The world-famous Prado Museum is just 10 minutes away on foot, and just beyond the city's large and picturesque Retiro Park.
Rooms
Suites feature original frescos and some rooms open onto French balconies.
The hotel has 65 rooms and suites, all of which follow a modern take on classical 18th-century styling with wood wall paneling in appealing neutral tones, antique-style furnishings, heavy tasseled drapery, and parquet floors. Rooms are all air-conditioned and standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. While all suites also include Nespresso coffeemakers and bathrobes, they also feature gorgeous restored 18th-century ceiling frescos. Bathrooms are traditionally finished in green marble, while some rooms open to French balconies. Lower street-facing rooms can experience some noise -- especially basement rooms -- though higher or courtyard rooms are generally quiet.
Features
Free finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks plus a breakfast buffet
A decent and nicely presented breakfast buffet is served each morning, which includes Spanish omelet and Bloody Marys, though is not included in the regular room rate. However, a small finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks is available free of charge from lunch time while for dinner the Las Cortes restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's also an Internet corner for guests' use though there are no spa or health facilities on-site.
Related Hotels
Scene
Restored 18th-century palace with inconspicuous facade
The entrance and facade of the Catalonia Las Cortes hotel is inconspicuous almost to the point of being missable -- its typical, stuccoed facade blends unobtrusively into its similar surroundings with little to announce its presence beyond a discreet sign. The sleek, contemporary reception area is smart and understated, though with the first hints of the flamboyant period decor that lay just beyond. Occupying a palace dating back to the 18th century, much of the interiors have been renovated in sympathy with the era while retaining plenty of the original elements and character. Most striking are wonderful arched stained glass windows adorning a hallway, but also original parquet wood flooring, ornate coving, and intricate baroque detailing wonderfully recreate the period ambience. The atmosphere is polished and upscale.
Location
Set in Madrid's buzzing and literary barrio of Huertas -- 10 minutes walk from the Prado Museum
The hotel is located in the central Madrid district of Huertas, a historical and buzzing neighborhood now a popular nightlife spot and tourist destination. Also known as the Barrio de las Letras, the area is also considered the capital's literary district having once been the hang-out of Spanish writers including Cervantes (who also died here). One of Madrid's most picturesque squares, the Plaza de Santa Ana, is just a one-minute walk from the hotel and is full of bars and restaurants. While the nearest metro stop, Antón Martín, is five minutes' walk away, the Puerta del Sol transport hub is a little further and connects throughout Madrid. The world-famous Prado Museum is just 10 minutes away on foot, and just beyond the city's large and picturesque Retiro Park.
Rooms
Suites feature original frescos and some rooms open onto French balconies.
The hotel has 65 rooms and suites, all of which follow a modern take on classical 18th-century styling with wood wall paneling in appealing neutral tones, antique-style furnishings, heavy tasseled drapery, and parquet floors. Rooms are all air-conditioned and standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. While all suites also include Nespresso coffeemakers and bathrobes, they also feature gorgeous restored 18th-century ceiling frescos. Bathrooms are traditionally finished in green marble, while some rooms open to French balconies. Lower street-facing rooms can experience some noise -- especially basement rooms -- though higher or courtyard rooms are generally quiet.
Features
Free finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks plus a breakfast buffet
A decent and nicely presented breakfast buffet is served each morning, which includes Spanish omelet and Bloody Marys, though is not included in the regular room rate. However, a small finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks is available free of charge from lunch time while for dinner the Las Cortes restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's also an Internet corner for guests' use though there are no spa or health facilities on-site.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Air Conditioner
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Business Center
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Cable
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Dry Cleaning
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Internet
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Kids Allowed
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Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
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Poolside Drink Service
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Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
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Room Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
